News Main Menu

Former student's career blossomed after attending Ag Career Day

Eric Christensen

October 17, 2014

Former student's career blossomed after attending Ag Career Day

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The College of Agricultural Sciences' Ag Career Day is an event designed to bring students and the companies that need them together. For recent graduate Laura Elberth, last year's event led to a full-time job with one of Pennsylvania's oldest employers -- the Henry F. Michell Co.

"I'm now a horticultural sales representative for Michell's," Elberth said "We are a 125-year-old horticultural broker, located in the heart of King of Prussia, just outside of Philadelphia."

At Ag Career Day, students can meet with more than 250 representatives from more than 130 industry and government employers and higher education institutions from across the country.

This year's event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Bryce Jordan Center.

Elberth learned about the event from her professors and immediately was excited to attend. She ended up having a very positive experience.

"I had a great time -- the networking opportunities are endless and the employers are eager to talk to students, talk about their companies and learn more about the students. The career fair really presents an excellent chance to learn about your future employers."

For Elberth, the opportunities presented by Ag Career Day turned into a fun and exciting job that takes her across the country.

"My job requires me to travel to meet some of our largest and smallest greenhouse and nursery growers," she said. "I have travelled to trade shows and trial gardens in Oregon, Texas, Pennsylvania and everywhere in between. I have the unique opportunity to help small farmers and greenhouse developers grow their businesses to their fullest potential."

Elberth offered some words of advice for students planning to attend this year's Ag Career Day.

"Step outside the box. Don't be afraid to talk to every company at the fair, even the ones you don't know. I studied agricultural and extension education, but now I'm in the horticultural industry and I love it. You never know what field your perfect job is in."

Companies scheduled to appear at this year's event include large international organizations, national and regional organizations, and Pennsylvania and local businesses. Several graduate and professional schools also will be there to present information to prospective students. See the list at the event's website, http://agsci.psu.edu/students/events/ag-career-day.

"Every ag student should attend this event," Elberth said. "I was lucky enough to find my employer there, and many of my friends did as well."